4 Steps to Go Solar in 2021

More and more California residents are switching to solar electricity, the most sustainable and inexhaustible energy, rather than other finite and polluting sources. The economic returns of this natural resource are good reasons to go solar in 2021. The savings depend on the household’s electric consumption rate, number of hours with direct sunlight, and the system size. A solar-powered electric system running at home is a perfect opportunity to save Mother Nature with a low-risk and long-term investment. Solar panels from the  best solar companies  are a significant upgrade that saves costs and increases your home's value. Even though market forces like electricity rates can affect the price of a residential property, homes with solar panels generally sell higher than those without. The good news is that PV works everywhere in California. If you find the installation process to be daunting, allow the experts to lend a hand. Watch them light up your homestead with sustainable power in four steps.   

When examining the site, a technician has to analyze the roof space open to direct sunlight for most of the day (9 am – 4 pm). It is worth clearing the shade to maximize solar energy that will be entering your home. A complete site assessment also considers the structural integrity of the roof and the existing electrical panel to calculate the annual electricity usage. Along with decades of local weather reports, these measurements help develop a customized and more accurate site analysis. In short, the installers have to look into the following.

• The available sunlight

• Orientation and tilt of the proposed setup

• The efficiency of converting sunlight to electric current

• Other sources of electricity, e.g. home generator, utility, and wind turbine

The contractor is very willing to give recommendations for the type and size of the PV system. But, they can only provide the best suggestions after gathering sufficient data on your property and energy utilization. You must be willing to reveal your electricity bills for a better understanding of annual power needs. Electric usage is represented in kWh (kilowatt-hours), and some utilities come with tools to help with this review.  If you are planning something like a house extension or getting an EV car, your household power needs may increase. It is imperative to find potential efficiency upgrades that are economical and easy to implement even before going solar. Examples of resources to enhance energy efficiency include:

• Switch to greener lighting, like LED light bulbs

• Conduct energy audits to know what consumes excess power and the steps to curb the loss

• Weatherize home for optimal heating and cooling



• Install highly efficient appliances and electronics and use them appropriately

One of the most incredible benefits of choosing to  buy SunPower solar panels  is unlimited access to turnkey solutions from real professionals. Leave everything to the experts, including: 

• Obtaining permits

• Sourcing of equipment

• Getting the utility paperwork ready

• Completing the schematics

• Coordinating interconnection with existing utilities



• Scheduling electric inspections

The installation of solar panels is done in-house, with the project manager working hard to see that the working crew adheres to the set schedule. They will also be available to answer all your questions before the process begins. On the install day, technicians arrive at your site and start mounting the panels and inverters immediately.  Qualified technicians know how to install the equipment correctly. They make sure it is tilted and oriented to maximize daily and seasonal solar energy flowing into the system. You might want to discuss with the supervisor over the final placement of non-roof parts as well as conduit runs. Their job is to ensure that the final setup matches your expectations. Before calling any solar panel installer, find out if their company is certified and licensed. Only a licensed installer can position a PV system appropriately. This means you must ask whether they hold an  electric contractor/subcontractor license. They might also be required to have a general contractor’s license by the local building regulations. Check with your county government offices for further information on licensing. Keep in mind that solarized programs require a specific technician and not just any electrical handyman. 

Once the solarized system has been planted, it is vital to schedule inspections starting a few days later. The system must pass the inspection test before moving on to the interconnection stage. The technicians once again devise a plan to have the solar system interlinked to the grid. They also help install the net meter with the utility provider, making sure that the process takes the shortest time possible. Beware of how net metering and billing works and any other utility charges you might have to pay.  As you work with PV installers, it is good to ask whether they are familiar with the interconnection process and the applicable laws. Sometimes, the task of acquiring permission to interlink can be hectic. That is why you are better off working with a company that has been around for years. It takes a great deal of experience to have a system installed promptly.  

With the PV up and running in your homestead, it is time you get to know how it works. You can count on the technical support by Ambrose if you need orientation to see how the ropes and wires link. It is recommended you monitor the production of solar energy in real-time. Should you note something amiss, don’t hesitate to call the experts because they are always ready to address client issues.  Did you know our PV comes with an industry-leading 25-year warranty? A strong guarantee is a good indication of quality equipment. It is essential to establish who is responsible for maintenance and repair. There are many competitive plans for O&M for host-owned panels. Ambrose Solar is the most trusted full-service provider of SunPower solar across California. As we proudly serve our clients with a renewable resource, we give in-depth insights into efficient energy utilization. Thanks to the many years of electrical work and roofing experience, our service crew guarantees robust installations regardless of the property size.